The Highlands are irreplaceable — yielding some of the finest single malt Whisky in the world. But there is something magic about Ross-shire. Along the southern coast of the Dornoch Firth at the base of ancient, Celtic limestone hills, a cluster of natural springs there feed a blessed few distilleries with what may be the best water in the world for Whisky.

John Ross founded Balblair in 1790. To this day they have only 1 wash and 1 spirit still. And 100% of production goes into their single malt vintage series — each one unique, rare, and special.

All Balblair Single Malts are issued by vintage, and this is no exception. Even though Balblair 2003 was aged 10 years exclusively in ex-Bourbon casks, that influence definitely takes a back seat. Instead, you definitely taste the malt dancing on the palate.

Think of it less as a “sit by a roaring Winter fire” dram and more of a “sit on the porch to watch the fireflies” kind of sipper.

Wasn’t sure about this at first, but it grew on me and is now one of my favorites. Sweet and spicy, with a hint of oak!!

guest,
Jul 25, 2018

Chocolate after taste!

Angelina,
Jul 1, 2018

Not happy with the way the scotch was shipped. bottle was secured, but on its side, scotch should not lie on its side, bits of cork in the bottle Light gold color, long legs oily, Honey on the nose, floral, vanilla bean or vanilla cereal, strawberries, apricot ON the palate sweet smoke no peat, caramel, spice, vanilla latte, Smokey wood flavor, add little water big vanilla cake or vanilla coffee water well rounded finish. First time tasting Balblair

Matthew,
Jun 23, 2018

8, but then again it’s my first scotch! And I am not a fan of any wet or high smokiness. The after taste is honey and the first sip is tart. It’s really good for a non peety scotch!

Ronald,
May 20, 2018

Tast like honey

colleen,
Mar 11, 2018

Really solid flavor with a clean smooth finish. Could do with a bit more full flavor but it’s easy to drink and always pleasant. One of my favorites

Leland,
Oct 23, 2017

Great notes of honey and wood. Some smoke. Little or no peat.

Ty,
Jan 13, 2017

One of my ultra favorites of any that I have had the pleasure of tasting! I always will have 2 bottles for back up